->'''Aang:''' Sorry about your [[BattleBoomerang boomerang]], Sokka.\\'''Sokka:''' I feel like I've lost part of my identity. Imagine if you lost your [[PowerTattoo arrow]], or if Katara lost her.... [[BuffySpeak hair... loopies]].\\'''Merchant:''' Here's your produce, ponytail guy.\\'''Sokka:''' (''dejectedly'') I used to be boomerang guy...-->-- ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender''

An Iconic Item is an object carried or used only by one specific character, which also serves to ''define'' the character. Seeing it immediately brings that character to mind. [[SignatureItemClue Seeing the object abandoned]] (i.e., on a battlefield or in a ditch) would cause the character's friends to worry about his safety. Usually concludes with the character in question casually walking up shaken and asking if anyone has seen his Iconic Item.

Such safety worries would be on a sliding scale of realism; [[Comicbook/CaptainAmerica Cap's]] shield is one-of-a-kind, but there may be ''many'' Franchise/{{Spide|rMan}}y outfits or beat-up [[Franchise/IndianaJones brown fedoras]] out there. Provenance would have to be established before a search party is called.

If the Iconic Item just so happens to correlate with the character's personality or traits, which it's going to 90% of the time, it's probably also a WeaponOfChoice.

Often produced as OfficialCosplayGear. Compare ClothesMakeTheLegend and IconicOutfit. Also compare NationalWeapon for a type of cultural Iconic Item.

----!!Examples

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Anime & Manga]]* ''Manga/{{Akira}}'' has Kaneda's signature [[CoolBike custom power bike]] and Tetsuo's [[ArtificialLimbs mechanical arm]].* ''Manga/JoJosBizarreAdventure'': Will A. Zeppeli's top hat, Jotaro's student cap, Josuke's pompadour (technically not an item but he still considers it to be a strong part of his identity, and a BerserkButton if mocked), Gyro's steel balls, Johnny's horseshoe jockey cap. [[LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters The list could go on forever]], but these are just a few of the big ones.* LightNovel/HaruhiSuzumiya's yellow hair ribbons, Yuki Nagato's glasses, and Mikuru Asahina's cosplay costumes, especially her maid costume.* Many of the Angels in ''Anime/KidouTenshiAngelicLayer'' would count; more than tools to their users, who even ''talk'' to the robotic dolls on more than one occasion, an abandoned Angel is a sign that something is deeply wrong with its operator.* Most of the main characters' cards in ''Anime/YuGiOh'' and ''Anime/YuGiOhGX''. Somewhat believable in the case of Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragons, since there were only four in the world, and he has three (he ripped up the fourth as soon he got his hands on it [[IfICantHaveYou to prevent anyone else from using it]], because only three copies of any given card may be used in the same deck). Yugi's Dark Magician is a bit of a stretch, but has been established as a rare card, maybe not the same rarity league as a Blue-Eyes, but enough so that only one other duelist is ever shown using one. However, Mai's Harpie Ladies or Asuka's Etoile Cyber are common cards that could have been dropped by anyone, which raises a few questions as to iconic status.* Ditto for certain cards in ''Anime/DuelMasters'', most recognizably Shobu's Bolshack Dragon.* Guts from ''Manga/{{Berserk}}'' actually has three of these, his {{BFS}} The Dragonslayer, his mechanical hand and his Berserker armour, all of which are one-of-a-kind items that match his personality.* While all the pilots in ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' wear a headset to help them link with their Eva units, Asuka wears hers with her civilian clothes as well (wearing them like barrettes). This helps to establish certain things about Asuka. On a personal level, she is proud to be a pilot, and doesn't want anyone to forget it. The shape of this gear also gives her "horns" like a female Oni (ogre) [[UruseiYatsura like another character we could mention]]. It's worth noting that ''oni musume'' (ogre's daughter) is roughly the Japanese equivalent of "bitch" -- which definitely fits her {{Jerkass}} personality.* ''Manga/BlackCat'': Train's {{orichalcum}} custom-made gun with the distinct number XIII etched on the sides.* Vash The Stampede's very distinctive revolver, and Wolfwood's massive cross (both from ''Manga/TriGun''). Also Vash's distinctive sunglasses with the W-shaped earpieces, which he puts on whenever it's time to [[LetsGetDangerous get dangerous]].* Ahiru's pendant in ''Anime/PrincessTutu''. If you see it laying around, she IS in trouble--she can't be a girl without it.* Rosette's watch in ''Manga/ChronoCrusade''.* Edward Elric's pocket watch and Roy's gloves in ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist''.** The red coat seems more like Ed's iconic item since every state certified alchemist is given that pocket watch.*** Few of them have a date carved into it.*** Ed himself seems to regard his red coat as this, given that after laying low for a while he makes himself a new one and declares that now he's ready.** Most importantly, Ed's automail arm and it's armblade.* [[EmpathicWeapon Raising Heart]] from ''MagicalGirlLyricalNanoha''. [[WreckedWeapon Its broken body]] [[SnowMeansDeath in the snow]] was our first indication that something really bad happened to Nanoha during the flashback.** Also applies to every other [[EmpathicWeapon Intelligent or Armed Device]] in the series. A device and its owner are rarely separated.* Played with in an episode of ''Anime/DigimonAdventure''. Mimi runs ahead, and gets carried off. When Taichi and Koushirou find her pink cowboy hat lying on the floor, they barge in to rescue her, only to find her [[FuroScene enjoying a bath]]. Needless to say, Mimi starts throwing things.** Taichi's {{goggles|DoNothing}} themselves are an example of this trope, as is Yamato's harmonica (which becomes a minor plot point late in the series), Koushirou's computer and Sora's hat/helmet thing.** The goggles are not exclusive to Taichi; all ''Franchise/{{Digimon}}'' [[TheHero lead heroes]] (save for [[Anime/DigimonSavers Masaru]]) [[IconicOutfit have one as part of their outfit]]. ** Many Digimon have iconic items -- Tailmon's tail ring, Wizardmon's staff, etc. There's probably many to count.** Across the entire franchise, everyone's specifically coloured variant of the Digivice is also this, being possibly the most personally-associated belonging any character has. ''Adventure'' also gives this treatment to their Crests, ''Anime/DigimonAdventure02'' doing the same for their Digimentals.* Kenshiro's jacket in ''Manga/FistOfTheNorthStar''. It's so iconic that it inexplicably reappears on him after every fight where he rips it beforehand. When he tears his shirt, it's usually a surefire sign that someone is going to die.* [[TheRival Ryouga's]] trademark bandanna from ''Manga/RanmaOneHalf'', and he went as far as wearing dozens of them, one over the other, to use as weapons in his first match with Ranma.** Mousse's glasses, Ukyou's giant battle spatula, Nodoka's family sword, Cologne's staff, Kodachi's ribbon, and Ryouga's umbrella also qualify as personality-defining items. On the "worrying about their safety" angle, Ranma once found Akane's schoolbag, recognizable by the doll hanging off it, and deduced she was kidnapped (although that was the item's only purpose in that story and was never seen before or after.)* Kamina's glasses and Simon's drill pendant from ''Anime/TengenToppaGurrenLagann''. Kamina even gives Gurren the glasses by melting down the swords it originally had.** Kamina's glasses are so associated with him that the particular style of angular sunglasses he wears are now near-universally called "Kamina shades", even by non-''Gurren Lagann'' fans.* Asuma's cigs and trench knives in ''Manga/{{Naruto}}''. [[spoiler:So much so that Shikamaru's salvages them and gives them a significant part in his plan to take revenge after Asuma's death.]]* ''Manga/MahouSenseiNegima'' carries a small few of these, most notably Asuna's bells given to her by Takahata.* Luffy's straw hat in ''Manga/OnePiece''. Zoro's haramaki, and Chopper's hat [[spoiler: (Before the TimeSkip)]] also counts too.* Russia's scarf in ''Webcomic/AxisPowersHetalia''.** America's bomber jacket, to the point that fans depict it as a sort of security blanket for him. If he dates someone, expect them to wear the jacket at one point or the other.** The Italy curls as well. Most fanworks (Written or drawn) identify it's content by describing the curls. Ex) The young boy laughed; his auburn hair shaking into his face, except for one obstinate curl on the side of his head.* Haruko's engine-powered Rickenbacker bass guitar/multi-purpose weapon from ''Manga/{{FLCL}}''.* Natsu's scarf in ''Manga/FairyTail'' which he's always seen in. Even while sleeping. When Lucy accidentally yanked it off him (trying to pull it up) and he didn't seem to notice, she knew something was wrong.** His scarf is a gift from his dragon-foster-father Igneel. It's probable made of dragon skin. It's a ChekhovsGun, as it later protects Natsu from [[spoiler:Zeref's death magic]].* [[Anime/{{Pokemon}} Ash Ketchum's]] hat, to the point where he will yell at and pursue any Pokémon that steals it (except on one occasion).** In ''Manga/PokemonSpecial'', most of the Dex Holders wear an extra accessory (or have a slightly different physical feature) to differentiate them from the characters they were based on. Gold has his goggles and cue, Crystal her star-shaped earrings, Silver his black gloves, etc.** Certain Pokémon also count in {{Fanon}}: May is synonymous with a Torchic starter, Brendan with Mudkip, Dawn with Piplup, Red with Pikachu, Blue with Eevee, and Bianca with Munna, just to name a few.*** Ash's Squirtle from the Squirtle Squad has pretty awesome sunglasses reminiscent of Kamina's. Yeaaah...*** His Treecko has the twig he likes to put in his mouth.*** His Krookodile has his pair of sunglasses, like Squirtle.* The titular character of ''Manga/KenichiTheMightiestDisciple'' is known for the PointlessBandAid he wears on his nose to cover up a scar.* Makoto Kino from ''Franchise/SailorMoon'' never takes off her pink rose-shaped earrings, even after [[HenshinHero transforming]] into Sailor Jupiter. Sometimes she uses them as projectile weapons, and more than once the sight of them has snapped Usagi back into remembering.* Shiki of ''LightNovel/KaraNoKyoukai'' has her [[AwesomeAnachronisticApparel red bomber jacket worn over a traditional kimono.]]* ''Manga/{{Bleach}}''** Ichigo's substitute sign.** Orihime's hairpins.** Uryuu's wrist-cross.** Sado's amulet.** Urahara's NiceHat.** Byakuya's scarf.** Kyoraku's hat and robe.** Kenpachi's [[PowerLimiter eyepatch]].* Fuuko of ''VisualNovel/{{Clannad}}'''s "Starfish" sculptures.* Okita's not-fooling-anyone red sleep mask in ''Manga/{{Gintama}}''* [[Anime/CowboyBebop Faye Valentine's]] red hoodie around her waist, since any two-bit {{Fanservice}} character can pull off the bright yellow [[{{Stripperiffic}} halter top and short-shorts]].* Kenshin's [[WeaponOfChoice backward-edged]] {{katana|sAreJustBetter}} from ''Manga/RurouniKenshin''.* From ''{{Manga/Hellsing}}'', Alucard's gun [[ICallItVera Jackal]], or his outfit, with red [[BadassLongcoat longcoat]], wide-brimmed red hat, and round sunglasses.* ''Manga/KagerouDays''** Ayano's [[http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130903170354/kagerouproject/images/7/76/AyanoId.png red scarf]].*** On a lesser note, her red hair-pins, which she inherited from her mother. [[spoiler:And are worn on her father's shirt after her suicide.]]** Each member of the Mekakushi-dan's hoodie serves as one, special mention to Kido's iPod-decal hoodie.** Haruka's sketch pad.** Takane's/[[spoiler:Ene's]] headphones.** Shion's red rose [[spoiler:which becomes a TragicKeepsake for Mary after her death]].* ''VisualNovel/HigurashiWhenTheyCry'': Rena's NiceHat, which is used at least once to signify [[spoiler:[[SignatureItemClue that she's dead]]]]. Her cleaver also counts.* Chiyo Sakura of ''Manga/GekkanShoujoNozakiKun'' is identified primarily by her bows, and by extension their polka dot pattern, both in-universe and with the fandom.* Loran of ''Anime/TurnAGundam'' has a bathtub toy fish that he brings with him from the Moon and carries with him most everywhere, especially early on. In the final episode, [[spoiler:he leaves it behind at the Heim mansion after he goes to live in seclusion with Dianna and Sochie throws it into the river in a fit of anger and hurt. A piece of promo art shows that Loran finding it again; the same river apparently runs past his new home]].[[/folder]]

[[folder:Comic Books]]* ''ComicBook/CaptainAmerica's'' shield. As the theme song reminds us, all those who chose to oppose the shield ''must'' yield. Indeed, when Cap was "dead" the question of who would carry the shield was a major plot point.* ''ComicBook/TheMightyThor's'' Hammer Mjolnir (carried over from NorseMythology).** Likewise, Comicbook/BetaRayBill's hammer Stormbreaker.** And Eric Masterson's Thunderstrike.* ''ComicBook/JudgeDredd's'' Lawgiver gun.** There are those who would argue that it's his helmet more than his weapon.*** Oooh err!** Or his badge.* Iconic costume parts could also be included (''Franchise/{{Batman}}'s'' cowl, ''Franchise/SpiderMan's'' suit in a trash bin). See the above codicil.* ComicBook/{{Cyclops}} of the ''Comicbook/XMen'' has his visor.* ''Franchise/WonderWoman's'' lasso and armor.* Even though there are [[TheChosenMany 7200]] ''Franchise/GreenLantern'' rings they are keyed to specific people who all live in different parts of the galaxy and if one is lying around the owner is usually in grave danger.* Less well known but many versions of [[Franchise/TheFlash Wally and Barry]] always have the ring that contains their suits somewhere on their person.* Of all the [[ToTheBatNoun Bat-gadgets]], the Batarang is probably the only one notable enough to count, along with the concept of the "utility belt" in general.* Spider Jerusalem's oddly impractical sunglasses from ''Comicbook/{{Transmetropolitan}}''. They're shaped like that because they're a combination of shades and a digital camera, specially designed for his journalist work. Also because the machine that made them was on drugs. No, seriously.* Wesley Dodds, the ''[[ComicBook/TheSandman Sandman]]'', has his gas-mask, a perfect complement for his sleeping gas gun. Creator/NeilGaiman gives Morpheus, king of dreams, a similar looking helm, but he wears it far less often.* ComicBook/{{Huntress}} has her crossbow.* ''Comicbook/GreenArrow'' has his arrows, particularly the boxing-glove one.* The WolverineClaws, which are even part of [[Comicbook/{{Wolverine}} his]] body, and especially when combined with his costumes' gloves that have the metal chutes the claws extend through.* Jughead Jones from ''Franchise/ArchieComics'' has his crown-shaped beanie.* Adčle Blanc-Sec's green jacket and, um, interesting hats.* ComicBook/{{Asterix}}' winged helmet, Obelix' small helmet and menhir, Vitalstatistix' feathered helmet and shield.* ComicBook/{{Tintin}}: His quiff and golf pants.* The Guy Fawkes mask worn by the title character from ''ComicBook/VForVendetta''.* Comicbook/DoctorStrange's red Cloak of Levitation and the Eye of Agamotto, which were later retconned to be icons of the office of Sorcerer Supreme and not of Strange himself.* Many of Franchise/{{Batman}}'s RoguesGallery. ComicBook/TwoFace has his two-headed coin; the Penguin has his top hat, monocle and cigarette holder (and his gimmick umbrellas); the Mad Hatter his top hat; Comicbook/RasAlGhul his high collared cape; etc.* Rorschach's mask from ''Comicbook/{{Watchmen}}''.* ''ComicBook/ForeverEvil'': To prove that the Justice Leagues are gone, the Crime Syndicate presents their audience with Aquaman's trident, Superman's cape, and Wonder Woman's lasso of truth.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Animation]]* In ''Disney/{{Aladdin}}'', Genie's shackles. When he's freed and they disappear it looks kind of weird. The makers of [[WesternAnimation/AladdinTheSeries the TV series]] apparently agreed and he got them back.* In ''WesternAnimation/{{Hoodwinked}}!'', Red Puckett brilliantly lampshades it:-->'''Red Puckett:''' They call me "Red" because of this red hood I wear.\\'''Nicky Flippers:''' What about when you're not wearing it?\\'''Red Puckett:''' (''quietly'') I usually wear it.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Films -- Live-Action]]* Creator/CharlieChaplin: His bowler hat, cane, baggy pants, large shoes.* Creator/BusterKeaton: His porkpie hat.* Creator/LaurelAndHardy: Their bowler hats.* The Creator/MarxBrothers: Groucho's cigar and Harpo's carhorn and harp.* Creator/MauriceChevalier: His yellow boater hat and tuxedo.* ''Franchise/IndianaJones''' Bomber jacket, bullwhip and fedora. It was specifically designed so you know the character just from his silhouette.* ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'': Captain Jack Sparrow's hat. And his compass that doesn't point north.* Speaking of ArmCannon weaponry, there's also Ashley J. Williams from ''Franchise/EvilDead''. Only instead of an arm-gun, he lopped off his hand and lashed a ''chainsaw'' onto it. This and his sawed off, back-holstered, shotgun are easily the most iconic items for Ash.* "[[Film/GoldenEye Walther PPK, 7.65 millimetre. Only three men I know use such a gun... and I believe I've killed two of them]]." Film/JamesBond finds a newer Walther in ''Film/TomorrowNeverDies'', and uses it in the following movies up until ''Film/CasinoRoyale''. When promotional pictures from ''Film/QuantumOfSolace'' showed him having gone back to the PPK, the fandom rejoiced.* Film/DollarsTrilogy: The Man With No Name's distinctive green poncho* ''Film/DirtyHarry's'' .44 Magnum, "the most powerful handgun in the world, that would blow your head clean off." Also his dark sunglasses.* [[Franchise/ANightmareOnElmStreet Freddy Krueger's]] clawed-glove.* John Franchise/{{Rambo}}'s M60, bow and Bowie knife. And the headband, usually [[color:red:red]].* ''Franchise/StarWars'':** Princess Leia 's hairstyle and long white dress in ''Film/ANewHope''.** Darth Vader's entire costume** [[TheStoic Mace Windu's]] purple [[LaserBlade lightsaber]] and Darth Maul's double-bladed lightsaber are unique weapons (all lightsabers are different, but Windu and Maul's are the only ones of their kind seen). Notably, the purple lightsaber was Creator/SamuelLJackson's only demand for accepting the role. Though this doesn't carry over into the ExpandedUniverse, where purple is a 'neutral' color used by Jedi and Sith, and double lightsabers are present but not common. Lightsabers in general are iconic weapons for the franchise.* Franchise/ThePhantomOfTheOpera - The Phantom's white half mask.* Franchise/{{Zorro}}'s black mask and Andalusian hat (in the novel he originally wore a sombrero). To a lesser degree his sword and bullwhip.* Film/TheBluesBrothers' black suits and fedoras. And their sunglasses, of course.* In ''Film/ElDorado'' people keep commenting about Mississippi's odd-looking hat, but he refuses to stop wearing it because it belonged to his dead mentor.* Jason's hockey mask in ''Franchise/FridayThe13th'' films.* Anton Chigurh's coin, captive bolt pistol and sound-suppressed Remington 11-87 semiautomatic shotgun in ''Literature/NoCountryForOldMen''* In the 1976 film version of ''Literature/{{Carrie}}'', Norma is never seen without her red baseball cap. She wears it in gym class, during detention, and even at the prom. The only two times when she's not wearing it are when she's getting her hair styled (and even then, it's perched atop the giant hair dryer), and [[spoiler:when Carrie knocks her flat on her ass with the firehose and kills her, blowing her cap off in the process]]. The cap was reportedly the idea of her actress, P. J. Soles.* Creator/JacquesTati as M. Hulot: small hat, beige rain coat, long pants, pipe.* Creator/PeterSellers as [[Franchise/ThePinkPanther Inspector Clouseau]]: Beige raincoat, detective hat, looking glass. (Note that he doesn't start wearing this outfit until the '''second''' film, ''A Shot in the Dark''.) Its iconic nature was helped by it serving as his [[WesternAnimation/TheInspector animated counterpart's default outfit]].* ''Franchise/{{Highlander}}'': Connor's {{katana|sAreJustBetter}} and The Kurgan's take-apart sword.* In the 1940s Universal Studios SherlockHolmes pictures with Creator/BasilRathbone and Nigel Bruce: [[http://www.wessexpress.com/graphics/RathboneHat504x239.jpg Holmes' Irish tweed wool hat]]. Rathbone insisted on this as fitting the modern, updated version of Holmes in these films. [[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]* Roland's guns in ''Franchise/TheDarkTower''.* The Monkey King's expanding staff from ''Literature/JourneyToTheWest''.* Franchise/SherlockHolmes's pipe. The deerstalker in adaptations, though not [[Literature/SherlockHolmes the original books]].* ''Literature/HarryPotter''** Mad-Eye Moody's mad eye. After [[spoiler:he dies in ''[[Literature/HarryPotterAndTheDeathlyHallows Deathly Hallows]]'', [[TheHero Harry]] sees it stuck on Umbridge's office door in the Ministry of Magic and is so infuriated that he steals it back, tipping her off that there are intruders in the building.]] ** [[GentleGiant Hagrid's]] umbrella.** Pretty much any wizard's wand. Remembering them, on the other hand...** Um, [[TheHero Harry's]] glasses. And his ''{{scar|sAreForever}}''.* ''Literature/TheDresdenFiles'': Harry Dresden's black leather duster. If that isn't present, his battered silver pentacle is.* Rincewind's hat in ''Literature/{{Discworld}}''. Of course, all wizards and witches wear a [[RobeAndWizardHat pointy hat]], but Rincewind is the only one who finds it necessary to write "WIZZARD" upon it in sequins. And he ''always'' comes back for his hat. (Although at the start of ''Discworld/InterestingTimes'', he's been separated from it for some time while on a DesertedIsland, and found it necessary to construct a replacement ("a CargoCult wizard's hat") out of grass and bamboo. With "WIZZARD" spelt out in cowrie shells).* [[Literature/DonQuixote Don Quijote]], his suit of armour and the "golden helmet of Mambrin" (actually a barber's brass shaving-bowl).* Literature/{{Winnetou}}'s gun, the ''Silberbüchse'' (silver rifle).* [[Literature/AroundTheWorldInEightyDays Phileas Fogg's]] top hat and pocket watch (used as an icon for him in the closing titles of the film adaptation starring David Niven).* [[Literature/PeterPan Captain Hook's]] … um, he has something that qualifies…* [[Literature/TheCaineMutiny Captain Queeg's]] steel balls.* [[Series/RumpoleOfTheBailey Rumpole's]] dilapidated old hat.* ''Literature/LesMiserables'': Jean Valjean is rarely ever seen with them -- in fact we only learn he has not sold them at the end of the book -- but the silver candlesticks he received from Bishop Myriel are quite iconic to him. Film adaptions enlarged this.* ''Literature/SeptimusHeap'': Septimus's Dragon Ring and Marcia's shoes.* ''Literature/TheHitchhikersGuideToTheGalaxy'': Arthur's bathrobe, Ford's satchel (and, of course, his copy of the ''Guide'' itself), Zaphod's Presidential sash, and towels in general.* Literature/{{Psmith}}'s [[HighClassGlass monocle]].* Lena's ''Junk necklace'' in Beautiful Creatures. She never took it off, and when she had abandoned it, it lead the other characters to know something was wrong with Lena. * Fairy Tales:** Literature/LittleRedRidingHood: her red hood* It's not really a ''Literature/BlackCompany'' book until One-Eye's hat has been brought up. The Annals serve as this for the entire Company.* ''Literature/CharlieAndTheChocolateFactory'':** Willy Wonka has his NiceHat and walking stick -- especially the former, which he very, ''very'' rarely takes off -- in the novel and ALL adaptations.** Violet Beauregarde, champion gum chewer, has her world record-breaking piece of chewing gum, which she is still chewing on at every opportunity after three months. When she's asleep, she puts it on her bedpost for safe keeping; when she's awake and ''not'' chewing on it (namely at mealtimes), she sticks it behind her ear.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live-Action TV]]* ''Series/DoctorWho''** The Fourth Doctor's Scarf and Sonic Screwdriver. The Sonic, carried by other Doctors, reflects the Time Lord's dislike of firearms.** The Master's laser screwdriver kills people. As does the Tissue Compression Eliminator.** Then there's the Fifth Doctor's celery-on-the-lapel, PurelyAestheticGlasses, and occasional hat.** The Sixth Doctor's cat badge.** The Seventh Doctor carried around a crazy umbrella with a question mark for a handle.** The Eighth Doctor's Wild Bill Hickok costume.** The War Doctor's costume was a mix of 8's Victorian waistcoat and the Ninth Doctor's leather jacket, with a BadassBandolier that also serves as a TragicKeepsake.** The Ninth Doctor's leather jacket.** The Tenth Doctor also had a pair of "brainy specs" like Fifth, and he also wore a brown overcoat near constantly. Along with his trainers, another feature from 5.** The Eleventh Doctor is the {{Trope Namer|s}} for BowtiesAreCool. In fact, each Doctor has some form of iconic item. The First has a cane or ring, the Second has his recorder, the Third has his frilly shirts and capes...** Some of the Doctor's companions also had an iconic item associated with them. Examples include Jamie [=McCrimmon=]'s kilt, Adric's badge for mathematical excellence (the shattered remnants of which featured in an EmpathyDollShot after the character died) and Ace's badge-covered black jacket.** In RealLife, the show in general has the iconic police box outer form used by the [=TARDIS=]. Even before advances in communications technology saw the police box retired from its original function, it was heavily associated with the show to the point where the BBC won the rights for it off the police.* In ''Series/StarTrekDeepSpaceNine'', Captain Sisko acquired a baseball in an early season, which he kept on his desk. It acquired great significance in the later seasons: When the station has to be abandoned to the enemy, Sisko leaves the baseball behind, to tell his nemesis that he expects to return for it. Later, when Sisko has a breakdown and goes to Earth for some soul-searching, he brings the baseball with him, indicating that he is not sure if he will ever come back.* In ''Series/{{Heroes}}'', Noah Bennet's horn-rimmed glasses.* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': Dean's amulet, to the point where [[spoiler:he's still wearing it in hell.]] He has since lost it, however, and the writers [[ShrugOfGod doubt it will reappear]]. The Colt might count, though. Also, Casiel's overcoat, so that [[spoiler:when it's found, he's presumed dead.]] Later, when he's [[spoiler:found alive with amnesia, he doesn't put the coat on until he gets his memory back]].* [[Series/XenaWarriorPrincess Xena's]] chakram.* Done (very, very badly) in an episode of ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'', where a kid who was banned from the science fair is abducted by the MonsterOfTheWeek, but not before dropping his hat. The Rangers find the hat, and immediately blame Rita, [[FridgeLogic which makes no sense at all]]. They ended up being right, but they had no right or reason to assume that at all.* [[Series/HappyDays Fonzie's]] jacket.* Captain Jack Harkness's greatcoat in ''Series/DoctorWho'' and ''Series/{{Torchwood}}''.* ''Series/RobinHood'': ** Much's hat. He's only seen without it about three times. Subtly lampshaded in the show itself as when Robin [[spoiler:is minutes away from death]] he makes a point of grabbing it off Much's head before he says goodbye.** To a lesser extent: Will's axe, Little John's staff and Robin's recurved bow are all practically synonymous with their characters. Kate is renowned for her forehead braid, though this is more the result of MemeticMutation considering she only wore it for three episodes in total.* Series/{{House}}'s cane counts, though he goes through a few in differing styles (the one with the flames is the most distinctive). His vicodin bottle could count as well.* Booth's "Cocky" belt buckle in ''Series/{{Bones}}''. Brennan actually worries about him when he takes to wearing normal belts after his brain tumor.* ''Franchise/{{Buffyverse}}'':** Buffy had her stakes, but they really tried last minute to give her a more defined one in a slayer scythe.** Also, Spike's leather coat. The original one gets burned to tatters but Wolfram & Hart immediately supplies him with eleven exact duplicates of the coat.** Doyle's brown (or black) leather jacket.** The fleur-de-lis bracelet that Lindsey wears throughout the show. It's a keepsake that Christian Kane wears to remind him of his mother, who is from UsefulNotes/NewOrleans.* ''Series/{{Lost}}'' had Eko's staff, and John Locke's knife and backpack.* In the various ''Series/{{CSI}}'' series we have;** [[Series/CSIMiami Horatio's]] ... [[MemeticMutation sunglasses.]] [[Music/TheWho YEEAAAAAAAAHH.]]** Grissom's pig foetus (which Hodges placed in his old office when he left the show).-->"It belongs in here."** Danny from ''Series/{{CSINY}}'s'' father's dog tags.** Sid from '' Series/{{CSINY}}'' has the iconic glasses that come apart in the front. (These are called ClicReaders, and can be purchased online, along with several other styles; the store even uses a picture of Sid on their website.)** And Mac from ''NY'' has the lapel pin he always wears.* In ''Series/LawAndOrderCriminalIntent'', Goren uses his pocket knife a lot (not as a weapon mind you, just to pick up stuff he doesn't want to touch, dig stuff out of walls, etc).* [[Literature/GossipGirl Chuck Bass']] scarf.* Series/HannahMontana's blonde wig. And her pink, [[EverythingsBetterWithSparkles sparkly]] jacket. And in the last two seasons, the single glove.* In ''Series/UglyBetty'', Betty's Red glasses and pink brasses. Although she finally gets the braces removed in the final fourth season.* "Boston" Rob Mariano, from ''Series/{{Survivor}}'' and ''Series/TheAmazingRace'', has his Boston Red Sox hat. At one point on ''The Amazing Race'' 7, he gives a local the blue Red Sox hat he traditionally wore on ''Survivor'', and from the next leg on (including on All-Stars) he wore a [[LawOfChromaticSuperiority red one instead]].* ''Series/{{Sherlock}}'': Sherlock's ''BadassLongcoat'', his ''ScarfOfAssKicking'', John's cuddly jumpers, and Mycroft's umbrella. Sherlock is also commonly depicted in fanworks as wearing the "Purple Shirt of Sex" as dubbed by the fandom.* ''Series/TheCloser'': Brenda's purse, a huge black thing that she would be completely lost without. {{Lampshade|Hanging}}d in the finale, when Brenda is forced to shoot [[spoiler: Philip Stroh]] through the bottom of it, and the rest of the Major Crimes unit all get together and buy her a new one exactly like the old one because she doesn't look right without it.* Caroline's pearl necklace on ''Series/TwoBrokeGirls''.* ''Series/ElleryQueen'' was always wearing or carrying a Bear Bryant fedora.* Josh Lyman's backpack on ''Series/TheWestWing''.* Nina's locket on ''Series/HouseOfAnubis''. Also, Victor's pin.* ''Series/TheATeam'' has two: Hannibal's cigars and B.A.'s van. The cigar is ''so'' iconic that in the film, it ''immediately'' identified him.* Emma Swan's red coat in ''Series/OnceUponATime''.* ''Series/MontyPythonsFlyingCircus'': The glasses, headscarfs and gumboots of the Gumbies. * ''{{Series/Merlin}}'s'' red scarf or neckerchief.* Most ''{{Series/Highlander}}'' immortals had a signature weapon, like Duncan's katana and Metho's broadsword.* Both Rays in ''Series/DueSouth'' had signature cars: Ray V's boat tail '72 Buick Riveria and Ray K's Plymouth GTO.* Ditto on ''Series/ForeverKnight'', Nick's signature item is pretty much his classic Cadillac convertible.* Marion's foxtail hat in ''Series/TheSwampFox''.* ''Series/BreakingBad'': Walter White/Heisenberg's hat* In ''Series/{{MASH}}'' Henry Blake is always wearing his fishing hat and Radar always wears his brown hat and is rarely without his teddybear at night.* ''Series/TheDukesOfHazzard'' has the unforgettable General Lee, although in this case it defines both of the Duke brothers.* The Series/{{Teletubbies}} each have one: Tinky-Winky has a red purse, Dipsy has a black-and-white top hat (with a hole in the top for his antenna), Laa-Laa has a large orange ball, and Po has a scooter.* Geordi La Forge's VISOR on ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration''.* British museum curator and TV presenter Lucy Worsley is known for wearing a hair slide. She claims that when she was trying a different hair style, one of her TV producers told her "People won't know it's you without the hair slide."

[[/folder]]

[[folder:Music]]* Music/TheBeatles ** Music/JohnLennon [[LennonSpecs Glasses]]. You get the image.** Music/RingoStarr's rings (lampshaded in ''Film/{{Help}}''). And his Ludwig drum kit with the band's logo on the bass drum.** Music/PaulMcCartney's Hofner bass.* Music/MichaelJackson's single glove; subverted with his sister Latoya's headband, which was meant to become her iconic item, but never did.* Music/EltonJohn's [[MakingASpectacleOfYourself glasses]].* [[Music/PublicEnemy Flava Flav's clock medallion]].* [[Music/GunsNRoses Slash's]] [[CoolShades sunglasses]]. His signature [[NiceHat top hat]], is rarely taken off, but he always wears the glasses. Axl Rose's bandanna from the earlier years.* [[Music/ZZTop Dusty Hill's and Billy Gibbons's]] [[BadassBeard long beards]] and sunglasses.* [[Music/{{Queen}} Freddie Mercury's]] bottomless mic stand and [[Music/{{Queen}} Brian May's]] Red Special guitar (which he built with his father).* [[Music/{{Aerosmith}} Steven Tyler's]] scarf-covered mic stand* [[Music/{{U2}} Bono's]] tinted sunglasses.** The Edge's hats.* [[Music/VanHalen Eddie Van Halen]]'s cut up and retaped guitars ([[FrankenX Frankenstrat]]), so much so that Music/VanHalen's GreatestHitsAlbum uses a red, black, and white motif for the cover.* Music/{{Buckethead}}'s white mask (recently used by the Jabbawockeez too, though) combined with the plastic bucket he wears on his head.* [[Music/CoheedAndCambria Claudio Sanchez's]] legendary hair. If not that, then his collection of personalized Gibson Explorers.* On the subject of hair, [[Music/MyChemicalRomance Ray Toro's]] fro pretty much has its own fanbase.* Music/{{Ian Dury|AndTheBlockheads}}'s caliper and walking stick. The latter is an interpretation of Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick* Music/JohnOtway's Rumplestiltskin Baby. A roadie throws it up on stage whence John drops it. Later smashes it against the mic during Headbutts.* Music/{{Lights}} early on in her career would wear a brightly-colored headband; however, she no longer wears the headband nowadays, ultimately subverting this trope.* Music/KaizersOrchestra had the UsefulNotes/WorldWarI gas mask worn by the organist. All of the three first albums feature the mask prominently on the cover art and the band's live performances involved the mask staying on for the entire set, rendering the organist into TheFaceless and TheVoiceless (since it's impossible to speak through it). * Maurice Chevalier and his yellow straw hat.* Music/LouisArmstrong always has his trumpet nearby, of course, but his handkerchief is equally iconic.* Luciano Pavarotti also always carried a handkerchief when performing.* Music/BobMarley: his dreadlocks.* Music/{{Madonna}} : her Gaultier bra* Music/GeorgesBrassens: his pipe. * Music/FelaKuti: the white BodyPaint and TribalFacePaint on his face and torso.* In her early years, Music/BritneySpears' GirlishPigtails, [[BareYourMidriff crop tops]] and headset mic, at least onstage.* [[Music/JethroTull Ian Anderson's]] flute, long coat, boots, tights and codpiece in TheSeventies; he markets his own projects and Tull releases with this image even long after he abandoned the look and he started balding. His [[http://www.cuppofwonder.com/IA73.jpg "jester" outfit from 1974-75]] can be this as well.* Various costumes Music/PeterGabriel wore in live performances as a member of Music/{{Genesis}} in TheSeventies, in particular the leather jacket and face makeup he wore as Rael in ''Music/TheLambLiesDownOnBroadway'', the "flower mask" he wore in the "Willow Farm" section of "SuppersReady'" and the bat-wings he wore during "Watcher Of The Skies" (as can be seen on the cover of ''Genesis Live'').* Music/PinkFloyd and their circular projection screen and [[CueTheFlyingPigs flying pigs]]. David Gilmour's Black and Red Strats also count. [[/folder]]

[[folder:Myths & Religion]]* [[KingArthur The Sword Excalibur]]. In addition, the Sword in the Stone (Caliburn), to the point that both swords are often [[LostInImitation mistaken to be one and the same]]. Although in some cases they ''are''; Arthurian canon is sketchy and full of {{retcon}}s and AlternateContinuity. The problem is of course that in most pictorial representations it is impossible to tell Excalibur apart from any other old sword and thus you need other factors to e. g. tell whether a statue is meant to represent Arthur or some other king.* Mythologies in general identify deities with their iconic weapon, tool, or article of clothing.** Such items can be essential to tell whom a sculpture is meant to represent.*** The Venus de Milo lacks arms and thus holds no objects in her hands, so people are still debating whether she is in fact a representation of Venus/Aphrodite or some other Goddess.** These identifiers can sometimes take on a life of their own:*** The stylized forms of [[Myth/ClassicalMythology Aphrodite's mirror and Ares's spear and shield]] are used both for the astronomical symbols for Venus and Mars respectfully and for the designation of the sexes (female and male respectfully).** Myth/ClassicalMythology:*** The Aegis carried by Athena*** Hermes's winged sandals*** Poseidon's trident** NorseMythology:*** Thor's hammer, Mjolnir*** Odin's spear, Gungnir*** Freyja and the Brisingamen* RobinHood and his longbow.** Little John and his quarterstaff.*** Although both of these are impossible to tell from those of the other Merry Men.*** Robin also has his horn with which to call the men.* Roland, his sword Durendal and his horn Oliphant.* From Literature/TheBible (both Hebrew and Christian):** Joseph and his coat (''Theatre/JosephAndTheAmazingTechnicolorDreamcoat'' helped popularize this).** Moses and the Ten Commandments.** David and his harp. Also his sling.** {{Jesus}} and the Cross.*** The resurrected Christ can also be shown holding a spade, as the New Testament mentions that the first witnesses mistook him for a gardener.* Since artists and sculptors generally did not know what Christian saints and martyrs looked like, the way to tell which saint a painting, stained-glass window or sculpture is meant to represent most frequently an iconic item such as the instrument of torture or implement of execution used on them or an object connected with an important episode in their life etc. These objects often can be used as symbols of the saint without actually showing the saints themselves, e. g. when a city's coat of arms features one or more keys, it usually means that it has a cathedral or major church dedicated to Saint Peter (who holds the keys of heaven) or is somehow connected to the his successors, the papacy (such as the arms of Avignon in France). Other examples:** St. Andrew: An X-shaped cross, better known as a St. Andrew's cross (or ''saltire'').** St. Antony the Eremite: A staff ending in a T-shaped cross. Also a pig.** St. Catherine: A broken wheel and a sword.** St. James: A pilgrim's hat and scallop (seashell).** St. Laurence: A griddle (on which he was roasted alive).** St. Nicholas: A bishop's mitre and three golden balls.** St. Mary Magdelene: A vessel of ointment.** St. Stephen: Three stones on a book.* Paintings and sculptures of Hindu deities hold all kinds of iconic objects in their hands (it helps that they often are represented with more than two arms). Among the most widely known ones are Shiva's trident and Kali's necklace of skulls. They also generally ride on or are accompanied by an iconic animal, e. g. Ganesha always has his rat with him.* Certain Buddhist deities are known for items they carry. In case of Bishamonten[[note]]known Vaisravana outside Japan[[/note]], he carries a small pagoda and a spear. The items have their meaning: in case of Bishamonten, the pagoda symbolize the teaching and the spear symbolize [[ChurchMilitant the willingness to defend the teaching]].[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]* Signature Gear in ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' cannot be permanently stolen from the player and is only truly lost if willingly sold or physically destroyed (and in that case you get a new one).* In ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' fantasy battles many special characters have this, be it a flying longship (Wulfrik), an indestructible throne (Thorgrim) or a legendary hammer owned by the first emperor (Ghal Mharaz owned by Karl Franz).....There are many more examples but this will do for now.* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' Imperial Guard heroes could take a Trademark Item as an upgrade in the previous codex. It made his unit less likely to retreat, but they might panic and run if he died.** Many named characters have something along these lines, but [[ThePoliticalOfficer Commissar]] [[CoolOldGuy Yarrick's]] [[EyeBeams Bale Eye]], [[BigBad Abaddon]] [[NamesToRunAwayFromReallyFast The Depoiler's]] [[EvilWeapon Daemon Sword]] [[TheUnpronounceable Drach'nyen]] and [[SpaceMarine Marneus]] [[GeniusBruiser Calgar's]] [[PowerFist Fists]] [[HandCannon of]] [[MoreDakka Macragge]] are a few examples of note. Not to mention the fact that almost all of the Legion Primarchs had a signature weapon that either summed up who they were, how they fought, how they thought or all of the above.** The {{chains|awGood}}word is one of the most famous weapons to come out of the game, since it [[RuleOfCool sums up nicely]] what the setting is all about.* ''TabletopGame/{{Exalted}}'': InUniverse, [[GodOfGood The Unconquered Sun]] is known for his four relic: a spear, a shield, a horn, and a branch of laurel. These items can be loaned to anyone he sees fit to wield, and each of them is by design a GameBreaker.* Several of the Noble Knights in ''TabletopGame/YuGiOh'' have a Noble Arms clearly associated with them: Artorigus has Caliburn. Laundsallyn has Arfeudutyr. Gawayn has Gallatin. Gwalchavad has Destiny, but surprisingly not Excaliburn, however, as it appears to be used by both Artorigus and Laundsallyn in their respective upgraded forms.* ''TabletopGame/{{Pathfinder}}'' gives Clerics weapon proficiency with their ''deity's'' iconic weapon. So the cleric of the badass God of Archery can be appropriately armed with a proper bow.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Theater]]* ''Theatre/LesMiserables'':** The silver candlesticks given to Jean Valjean by the Bishop of Digne. Not seen that often, but when the lights fade to black at the end of the last note of the show, the candles are still burning bright.[[note]][[IncendiaryExponent And swiftly extinguished by the stagehands]].[[/note]]** Also, Enjolras's red and gold vest.* ''{{Theatre/Wicked}}'': Elphaba's [[NiceHat witch hat]] is this both in and out of universe. Also, Glinda is often pictured in fanart in her pink dress and the FlowerInHerHair from "Popular".[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]] * ''Franchise/FinalFantasy''** Cloud Strife's [[{{BFS}} Buster Sword]] from ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII''** And Sephiroth's ten-foot-long Masamune ''no-dachi'' from the same game.** Most, if not all, protagonists have a distinctive weapon, including [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyVIII Squall Leonhart's]] Gunblade, and [[VideoGame/FinalFantasyII Frionel/Firion's]] Blood Sword.** In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVI'', Locke's headband. Finding it tied around a pigeon's wing gives Celes hope that he's still alive.** Tidus' J-shaped pendant in ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyX''. Particularly significant since it's actually the personal insignia of his father, Jecht, whom Tidus has a beef with. In ''[[VideoGame/FinalFantasyX2 X-2]]'', Yuna takes this emblem for her very own, to represent [[spoiler:her memories of Tidus.]]* The Vampire Killer whip (unique in that it doesn't really represent one person, but [[BadassFamily an entire family of people]]) from ''Franchise/{{Castlevania}}''.* The hidden blades and beaked hoods from ''Franchise/AssassinsCreed''. The beaked hoods not so much anymore, since [[VideoGame/AssassinsCreedIVBlackFlag Edward Kenway]] doesn't use one. The Hidden Blades still apply, though.* ''VideoGame/GoldenSun'': Isaac's (and later [[VideoGame/GoldenSunDarkDawn Matthew's]]) ScarfOfAsskicking. Menardi and Karst's [[SinisterScythe scythes]].* The Plasma Cutter from Franchise/DeadSpace appearing in a lot of promotional material for the first two games and having become famous for being good enough to carry the player through the entire game on it's own.* Ness' baseball cap in ''VideoGame/EarthBound''. In the Japanese version, when Ness explores Magicant (the realm of his mind), his sprite shows him wearing his baseball cap and nothing else. All 3 protagonists in the ''MOTHER'' franchise wear a striped shirt.* ''Franchise/SuperMarioBros'' ** Mario's hat. In ''VideoGame/SuperMario64'', if his hat is lost or stolen, he'll take double damage until he gets it back.** In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioSunshine'', if it's lost or stolen, he'll actually take damage every few moments ''because'' he's not wearing it. Justified because the strategy guide says he's getting sunburn without his hat protecting him.** Luigi has never had an appearance in a game without his hat. In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy'' and the sequel, he keeps it on all the time, while Mario sometimes takes his off for a few seconds.** In ''VideoGame/SuperMarioGalaxy2'', [[spoiler:Luma takes Mario's hat in the ending]]. He's not too happy about it.* Franchise/DonkeyKong's necktie and Diddy's Nintendo hat.* Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog** Sonic's [[color:red:red]] sneakers. [[WesternAnimation/AdventuresOfSonicTheHedgehog Certain]] [[ComicBook/SonicTheComic sources]] say that these are actually specifically designed for him, to avoid burning his feet while running.** [[TheProtagonist Sonic's]] nemesis Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik also has his Eggmobile, a rotund hovercraft that is used as his personal transport and as the cockpit of his manned machines. His ScaryShinyGlasses would count as well. ** Amy Rose is rarely seen without her [[DropTheHammer hammer]], except in ''Sonic the Comic'' (where she uses a crossbow).** [[TheProtagonist Sonic]] and [[KidAppealCharacter Tails']] biplane, the Tornado.* ''Franchise/MegaMan''** Proto Man's [[color:gold:yellow]] scarf and Zero's Z-Saber from the ''VideoGame/MegaManClassic'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManX'' games. The latter item was changed to an even more iconic, triangular shaped appearance in ''VideoGame/MegaManZero''.** Zero's helmet is used for a particularly symbolic, yet sad, example in ''Zero 4''. [[spoiler:It's lying on the ground broken, and Zero is dead, and he doesn't have to fight anymore; because, whether or not Zero survived (''still'' heavily disputed by the fanbase), the war is over.]]** ''VideoGame/MegaManAndBass'' has the helmet of the character you are playing as lying on the ground if you got a game over.** Proto Man's shield is iconic enough that [[spoiler:Mega Man was shocked when Proto Man gave him his shield in ''7''. It's an equippable item in that same game.]] In fact, his kart and transportation items are all modeled after his shield.** Similar to the Eggmobile example above would be the Wily Capsule, often described as "the form that will haunt Mega Man for ''ages''."* ''Franchise/StreetFighter''** Ryu's [[color:red:red]] headband ([[ItWasAGift given to him by]] Ken, who previously used it as a hairtie back in ''[[VideoGame/StreetFighterAlpha Alpha]].'')** Akuma's prayer beads (used for a ShoutOut in the form of [[VideoGame/MegaManX4 Magma Dragoon]]), [[KickChick Chun-Li's]] spiked bracelets, and Vega's mask and claw.** In the manga ''Ryu Final: VideoGame/StreetFighterIII'', [[spoiler:Ryu has tied his headband to a post in the ruins of Suzaku Temple, where he trained with his master and eventually faced Akuma in one FinalBattle. Aspiring warriors travel to this location to find the headband, where Ryu awaits. It is a symbol of how he has finally achieved peace as a warrior, and now dedicates himself to raising the younger generation.]]** [[CuteBruiser Sakura's]] white headband mimics her hero Ryu's headband from his early days as a street fighter, before Ken replaced it with the [[color:red:red]] one.** There are several others. [[LadyOfWar Rose's]] {{scarf|OfAsskicking}}, Guile and Charlie's dogtags (Guile later taking the presumably KIA Charlie's dogtags for his own), Dhalsim's necklace made out of the skulls of the children in his village who died from famine, [[BruceLeeClone Fei Long's]] nunchaku, Dee Jay's maracas, etc. Of special note is [[VideoGame/FinalFight Guy's]] [[NiceShoes sneakers]], popular enough to spawn a {{meme|ticMutation}} ("''[[TakeThat Real]]'' {{ninja}}s wear [[ProductPlacement Nikes]]!").* ''VideoGame/HalfLife'' - Gordon Freeman's crowbar. To date he's had five (and subsequently lost four) of them. Also the Gravity Gun in ''VideoGame/HalfLife2'' and its episodes. Also, the [[PoweredArmor HEV suit]].* ''Franchise/MassEffect'' has Commander Shepard's N7 armor and Garrus Vakarian's visor.* ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'': ** Link's hat and tunic, and to a lesser extent, the [[CoolSword Master Sword]]. More recent games even have the [[color:green:green]] tunic be a sign of Link's chosen status as the hero.** Midna's headwear ([[spoiler:which is also an ArtifactOfDoom]]) in ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTwilightPrincess Twilight Princess]]''.** Also the Hylian Shield in ''[[Video9Game/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime Ocarina of Time]]'' and ''Twilight Princess''.** Majora's Mask, which Skull Kid wears throughout most of ''[[VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask Majora's Mask]]''.* Minsc's [[NinjaPirateZombieRobot Miniature Giant Space Hamster]] Boo in the ''VideoGame/BaldursGate'' series.* ''VideoGame/MetalGearSolid'': ** Snake's (Solid and Naked, not Liquid or Solidus) Cardboard Box.** And, on the more normal side, there's his bandanna.** And his cigs. For a game that loves to make you procure on-site equipment, they go through insane trouble explaining how cigarettes are somehow smuggled along with him... including one example of Snake ingesting his cigarettes and then vomiting them up upon arrival.** Even more prominently Revolver Ocelot and his revolvers.* Nick Mason's Riot shield in ''VideoGame/UrbanChaosRiotResponse''. It's so iconic, people remember that part of his arsenal more than the pistol, which was featured in an in-game news cast. To the point where the Burners copy him and get their own. And taunt you about the fact they have their own.* ''Franchise/{{Metroid}}'' ** Samus Aran's Charge Beam and Varia Suit, commonly found in every game, and the focus of most of the box art.** Her ArmCannon -- though in this case, it's literally her arm. Or, rather her Power Suit's arm.** And the friggin' Morph Ball.** And the Screw Attack -- which, with a few key modifications, became the [[BroughtToYouByTheLetterS series logo.]]** The [[KillItWithIce Ice Beam]] as well, both because of the unique platforming it produces from frozen enemies, and because of its significance as the primary weakness of the Metroids.** Her Missiles as well, with their distinctive rocket shape and red tip. So iconic, even more so than the unique round green-tipped Super Missiles, that in ''Metroid Fusion'' they made it so that it's the Super missiles that have the rocket shape with red tip and the normal missiles are just grey cylinders.* Elly's pendant in ''VideoGame/{{Xenogears}}''.* From ''VideoGame/{{Xenosaga}}'', KOS-MOS can use many weapons, but her [[GunsAkimbo dual]] [[GatlingGood triple barrel gatling guns]] are by far her most iconic.* Sora's Keyblade and crown necklace in ''Franchise/KingdomHearts''.* ''Franchise/MortalKombat'': Scorpion's spear, Liu Kang's headband, [[VideoGame/MortalKombat2 Shao Kahn's]] [[DropTheHammer hammer]], Johnny Cage's [[MemeticMutation five-hundred dollars]] [[TheGlassesComeOff sunglasses]]...* Krystal's staff despite the ''VideoGame/StarFox'' series [[TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot only letting her use her staff one time.]] [[SarcasmMode Because there's so much call for it in interplanetary dogfights.]]* The Protagonist's [[HeadphonesEqualIsolation "Audio Atlus" headphones]], [[TheChick Yukari's]] heart-shaped choker, and [[IdiotHero Junpei's]] baseball cap in ''VideoGame/{{Persona 3}}''.* In ''VideoGame/{{Persona 2}}'', we have Tatsuya's lighter, Jun's flowers (and watch), and Maya's Mister Rabbit.* Neku's headphones in ''VideoGame/TheWorldEndsWithYou''.** Shiki's stuffed animal/living weapon Mr. Mew.** Most of the other characters have something like this too, but Neku and Shiki's iconic items are, well, the most iconic.** Most of these iconic items are available as rare items which usually give really good stat boosts. Things like Beat's hat, Rhyme's pendant, and [[spoiler:a feather belonging to Joshua.]]* All Servants in ''VisualNovel/FateStayNight'' have at least one Noble Phantasm, a weapon or item exclusive to themselves as a heroic spirit. Examples include Lancer's Gae Bolg and Caster's Rule Breaker.* Raidou Kuzunoha the 14th of '' VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsTheSoullessArmy'' and ''VideoGame/RaidouKuzunohaVsKingAbaddon'' is noted, both in universe and out, as having a reputation attached to the school uniform he wears. He is even wearing it in the second game when he is 20 and no longer in school.** His ''Main/NiceHat'' is also part of it, to the point that he keeps it while [[ItMakesSenseInContext fighting Yakuzas in a bathhouse]].* Most ''VideoGame/HarvestMoon'' protagonists wear a red neckerchief. Even some animals in the ''Wonderful Life'' subseries wear them.* VideoGame/JazzJackrabbit wears a red headband and totes a uniquely-shaped firearm. The artist’s proposed logo for the (canned) [[http://www.jazz2online.com/j3f/index.html third game]] would included these elements, and there’s just something about the way they’re laid out...* Scarecrow's hypodermic syringe enhanced gloves in ''VideoGame/BatmanArkhamAsylum''. Bad-ass.* ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'' ** Every protagonist has a NiceHat which they can quickly be identified with. Even in ''VideoGame/PokemonXAndY'', which offers player character customization, you are still forced to wear a hat, although you do get to choose ''what'' hat.** Some Pokémon species have some: Cubone/Marowak has a bone club and a skull helmet, both from their dead mother. Farfetch'd gets a stick of celery it uses, [[JokeCharacter pathetically]], as a sword. Oshawott and Dewott have Scalchops, [[ImprobableWeaponUser Scallops it uses as swords.]] Even when as Samurott it becomes a {{Dual|Wielding}} BFS [[DualWielding Wielding]] Pokémon, the battle animation for Razor Shell is still a Scalchop.** The Poké Ball, synonymous with the ''entire franchise itself''.* Aside from his ever-present (but differently-styled) {{red|IsHeroic}} [[BadassLongcoat longcoats]], [[Franchise/DevilMayCry Dante]] will ''always'' tout his [[CoolSword Rebellion]] and [[CoolGuns Ebony & Ivory]]. His [[ShockAndAwe Alastor]] sword ''was'' this for a time (along with his [[IconicOutfit attire from the first game]], it followed him into several crossovers), but was eventually displaced by the Rebellion ([[ItWasAGift a gift from]] [[DisappearedDad his father]], [[RedBaron The Legendary Dark Knight]] [[AscendedDemon Sparda]]). His Shotgun ''may'' be working its way up to this status, as it's the only weapon besides E&I to be present in all four games.* VideoGame/DukeNukem's golden Desert Eagle. Funny enough, a lot of people might not even realize he ''has'' an iconic item. It was absent in his best known game ''VideoGame/DukeNukem3D'', and none of the games that came after it sold near as well. Strangely, it was changed to an M1911 in ''VideoGame/DukeNukemForever''. His sunglasses, too.* In ''VideoGame/BlazBlue'', the various [[ArtifactOfDoom Nox Nyctores]], weapons, and accessories, notably:** Noel Vermillion's [[GunsAkimbo dual pistols]] Bolverk, plus her SexyBacklessOutfit.** Ragna's jacket, sword, and his copy of the Azure Grimoire.** Litchi Faye Ling's staff and panda hairclip, Lao Jiu.** Arakune's mask.** Bang Shishigami's Nox Nyctores, Phoenix: Rettenjo (in the form of a giant nail), and scarf.** Hakumen's armor.** The blades of Nu-13 and Lambda-11.** Tsubaki Yayoi's Armagus, the Sealed Weapon Izayoi, and especially her NiceHat with the eye (which is part of the aforementioned Izayoi).** Hazama[=/=]Terumi's suit and hat.* Like KOS-MOS above, [[VideoGame/DeadRising Frank West]] can use a '''lot''' of different weapons, but is always seen (in promo material and official art) with [[BatterUp Baseball bats]]. Taken UpToEleven in ''VideoGame/TatsunokoVsCapcom'', where Frank uses one in a hyper, and again in ''[[VideoGame/DeadRising2 Case West]]'', where he has an infinite supply of baseball bats unless the player gives him another weapon. Frank's Camera is also a pretty iconic item in the series.* ''Franchise/RatchetAndClank'': Ratchet's Omniwrench.* Franchise/SlyCooper's {{ancestral|Weapon}} hook cane.* Amaterasu from ''VideoGame/{{Okami}}'' has the Divine Retribution Relfector, her past self Shiranui has the Solar Flare, and Issun has his beetle helmet.* From ''Franchise/ResidentEvil'':** Albert Wesker and his [[SinisterShades sunglasses]].** Ada Wong iconically wears a [[LadyInRed red dress]] [[KickingAssInAllHerFinery while she's running about stealing virus samples and fighting zombies]].** The [[VideoGame/ResidentEvil4 fourth installment]] gives us Leon's aviator jacket, which was actually sold as merchandise, at least in [[NoExportForYou Japan]]. What makes it better is that Leon loses it a little ways into the game and 90% of the game is without it, and people STILL associate it with him.* From ''VideoGame/{{Fallout}}'' we have the iconic Vault Suit; each protagonist has had one with a unique number and is apparently the only canonical item of clothing he wears throughout his adventure if the endings are to be believed. However most players of the first game ended up with the [[PoweredArmor T-51b Power Armor]] from the cover which has so far also made it into each of the Fallout games. ** A rule of thumb for the Fallout games is that the armor worn on the cover tends to become iconic.** Another one from New Vegas: the NCR Veteran Ranger Armor is associated strongly in the fandom with the NCR. [[SlidingScaleOfGameplayAndStoryIntegration In fact the game reinforces this with the concept of faction armor.]] *** It's popularity was so huge that the second DLC Honest Heart introduced a version without faction association, so that those who do not support the NCR could wear it. The fourth DLC Honest Heart went one step further and introduced no less then 3 additional versions.** From ''VideoGame/{{Fallout 3}}'', we have the [[PoweredArmor T-45d Power Armor]] worn by the Brotherhood of Steel.** Benny's chequered suit and his stylized Browning HP ''Maria'' is also a highly prominent example considering he uses this combination to set the entire New Vegas plot line in motion.* The horned helmet in ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim''.** The artifacts of the Daedric Princes in the series as a whole.** The Whiterun Guard's Armor (scale and chainmail combo with a yellow scarf/sash) seems to be the IconicOutfit for guards as a whole now.* ''Tom Clancy's VideoGame/SplinterCell'' has Sam Fisher's trifocal nightvision goggles. Fittingly, ''Double Agent'' [[{{Foreshadowing}} foreshadows]] Sam going OffTheRails by having him dramatically throw his goggles into the ocean, effectively telling the audience "[[CharacterDevelopment Sam Fisher is no longer the man you once knew]]".* While [[VideoGame/YumeNikki Madotsuki]] can equip various other objects, the one she's most often associated with is her {{knife|Nut}}.* In ''VideoGame/RuneFactory4'', Leon is never seen without his feathered fan, and Arthur is never seen without his star-shaped book. Strangely, he's ''not'' particularly a bibliophile (though he's got plenty of other nerdy qualities), but the resident CuteBookworm ''isn't'' seen carrying around any of the many books he says he likes to read.* You don't get more iconic than ''Franchise/ProfessorLayton'''s [[NiceHat top hat.]] It pops up quite often in the puzzles and is the game logo. Story wise, no matter what you do, you will never convince the Professor to take it off.* ''VideoGame/PanelDePon'' and Lip's flower wand. (''VideoGame/SuperSmashBros'' helped.)* All of the clown masks from ''VideoGame/PaydayTheHeist'' count, but [[WearingAFlagOnYourHead Dallas' mask]] gets special mention for also being the icon of the series. It's telling how indicative the masks are of the characters that wear them that, when one of the crew is rescued after a 2-year stint in prison in ''VideoGame/PAYDAY2'', instead of reclaiming his old mask (now being used by his replacement) he instead opts to use a replacement-that happens to be said old mask, with a [[PsychoticSmirk new facial expression]] and burn scars that mirror the ones that he now has.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]* [[Webcomic/SomethingPositive Aubrey's choker]] (wherein it became a plot point when her soon-to-be-husband Jason destroyed it.)* ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'': Agatha's trilobite necklace. The trilobite is the emblem of the Heterodyne family, but Agatha's is also a [[spoiler:RestrainingBolt]].* Torg in ''Webcomic/SluggyFreelance'' had a flannel shirt, which has since phased out somewhat. Riff always has his sunglasses, and though he's depicted often without his [[BadassLongcoat trench]], he will always be associated with some form of long coat, either duster or labcoat. Bun-bun will always have his switchblade and associated ''ka-click!''* [[Webcomic/{{xkcd}} The black hat guy's]] [[DepartmentOfRedundancyDepartment black hat]].* Tina of ''Webcomic/WapsiSquare'' is never seen without her choker, to the point where other characters speculate that it is there to keep her head attached.* ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}'': Weapons of choice aside, John is strongly associated with the ''Film/ConAir'' bunny he received as a birthday present three times over all on the same day. Jade was also associated with her pair of [[TastesLikeDiabetes Squiddles]] dolls until having a nightmare about the things following the death of her dreamself.* In the ''[[ShowWithinTheShow Lucky Bunny Bounty Show]]'', in ''Webcomic/ElGoonishShive'', [[AnimalEaredHeadband a bunny ear headband]] appears to be this for Unusagi.* ''Webcomic/TheOrderOfTheStick'': The main protagonist, Roy Greenhilt, is named after the green-hilted sword passed down through his family from his grandfather. It's the reason he became a fighter to begin with, and it's the symbol that allows his father's ghost to manifest on the material plane and talk to him.* ''Webcomic/SchlockMercenary'': The title character's plasma cannon.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]* Dr. Shelton's radio-flashlight from ''Roleplay/DarwinsSoldiers''.* ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'': Linkara's NiceHat {{coat|HatMask}} and [[{{Magitek}} Magic Gun]].* WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic's hat, suit jacket, and half-tied red tie as well. To a lesser extent, his pistol, which he pulls out when one of his {{Berserk Button}}s are pressed.* WebVideo/TheAngryVideoGameNerd's pocket protector. * WebVideo/TheNostalgiaChick has her glasses. She stopped wearing them later on, however. In one video where they are absent, she lampshades it in her ending credits by saying they were stolen by Communists. * Sparadrap's staff in ''Franchise/{{Noob}}'' is recognizable enough among the fandom to have its own T-shirt. The MMORPG setting and the fact that players that have reached the level cap are on EquipmentBasedProgression keeps most items owned by the other characters from sticking around long enough to get any kind of permanent association with them.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]* ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'':** Parodied in an episode where Marge finds an insignificant portion of clothing belonging to a missing Bart but nonetheless is overwhelmed.-->'''Marge''': ''(gasp)'' It's a small piece of plastic from the tip of Bart's shoe! (Homer looks at her) A mother only knows.** Played straight in the episode where a GentlemanThief steals her red pearl necklace. And then we find out she has an entire drawer full of such necklaces.--> '''Marge''': They're all priceless family heirlooms.** When Homer finds Bart's rarely-seen-before-or-since "favorite" hat and thinks his son's been turned into a cardboard box... [="A BOX, DAMN YOU! A BOOOOOX!"=]** Bart's green "old-school" skateboard is probably the straightest example.*** And Lisa's saxophone.* ''Franchise/{{Transformers}}'' ** In most series, the Autobot Matrix of Leadership is strongly associated with Optimus Prime, who carries it inside him. When it's seen in other hands, it's generally a sign that Optimus is badly injured, if not dead.** While not really an item, Optimus Prime's original vehicle mode. If he isn't a flatnose Mac truck, the franchise is RUINED FOREVER.** Pretty much every Transformer has some kind of weapon, gadget, special power, or altmode that's strongly associated with them.* ''WesternAnimation/EdEddNEddy'':** In the episode "Boom Boom, Out Goes the Ed", Ed assumes the worst when all he can find of Edd is his trademark stocking cap, which he wears about 99% of the time he's on screen throughout the entire series. ("Double-Dee is double-done for!")** Also in the episode "The Luck of the Ed", Eddy is trying to reclaim his (brother') magazines, due to Ed misplacing them. Annoyed at his friends, and suspecting them, he steals Double D's hat and Ed's eyebrow, both of which they prized dearly.--->'''Ed:''' But Eddy! I can't make funny faces without that!\\'''Edd:''' (''pulling Ed's pants close to his head'') Wait, please Ed! I'm not decent!* Parodied in a ''WesternAnimation/SpongebobSquarepants'' episode when Spongebob loses all his clothes in his efforts to escape Sandy's dangerous "pre-hibernation week" activities, and Sandy stumbles across them while looking for him.-->'''Sandy''': Spongebob's tie! And all his other little dressings! But he always folds up his clothes before runnin' around... ''in the nude''! Something terrible must have happened to him!* Most of the leading characters in ''WesternAnimation/AroundTheWorldWithWillyFog'' have some form of iconic item:** Willy Fog himself has a top hat and a walking cane, the latter often being used in self-defense** Rigodon has a valise, as well as a bowler hat which he believes brings him good luck and refuses to replace when he briefly loses it** Tico is given an Ancient Egyptian "sun clock" early in the series and finds an excuse to consult it in nearly every subsequent episode** Princess Romy has a jeweled head-dress, revealed in one episode to contain medicinal chicken bones** Inspector Dix has a flat cap and a pipe, though he is never actually seen smoking* ''WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender'' provides the page quote, from the episode "Avatar Day", where Sokka's boomerang gets stolen. He gets it back at the end of the episode, though. Some other examples are Aang's arrow tattoos or his glider, as well as Katara's hair loopies or water jug. Iroh and [[SpotOfTea tea]] could also be thought of this way.* Every character on ''Franchise/ScoobyDoo'' can be identified by their one outfit, but the most iconic item is Fred's ascot.* Dan's "Jerk" shirt from ''WesternAnimation/DanVs''* In the ''Belphegor'' series - Belphegor's RingOfPower and gold mask without a mouth, combined with his black outfit with hood and cape.* Louise's bunny ears on ''WesternAnimation/BobsBurgers''. The third-season premiere, "Ears-y Rider", was devoted to her efforts to get them back after a bully took them.* Finn's self-proclaimed "[[NiceHat awesome hat]]" will remind anyone who's seen the show of ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime''. Also the Ice King's crown, which is the source of his powers.* MickeyMouse[='s=] red short with yellow buttons.* WesternAnimation/DonaldDuck[='s=] blue (black in the comics) sailor vest.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Real Life]]* UsefulNotes/AbrahamLincoln's hat. [[WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons America's greatest citizen summed up in one piece of clothing]].* UsefulNotes/UlyssesSGrant's cigars. He was actually more of an alkie, but when a famous picture of him smoking one was circulated, he received so many free ones that he picked up the habit....[[HarsherInHindsight Which ended up giving him fatal throat cancer.]]* UsefulNotes/WinstonChurchill with cigars as well. Also his Bowler hat.* ''ComicStrip/TheBoondocks'' made a comment about how it is near-impossible to think of Martin Luther King Jr. in anything besides a gray suit... You just can't imagine him in a sweater and jeans sitting on the couch watching football or something. MLK destroys your image of him forever [[http://theimpossiblecool.tumblr.com/post/340974394/king here]]* Any soldier's dogtags, to the point where if he's KIA, his fellows will try to ''at least'' get them back home. Which is why they're carried in the first place, of course. Although in another way they can and are seen as items that grind down soldiers' individuality and indeed humanity. Which is why they got the derogatory nickname in the first place ("we are treated like dogs").* Tom Landry's hat. If that doesn't motivate you, then nothing will.* [[Series/MythBusters Jamie Hyneman's]] beret, clean white shirt, and walrus mustache.* [[ThePresidents The President of the United States']] "''Resolute'' Desk", which with a few exceptions is always present in the Oval Office, no matter who is president.* UsefulNotes/RonaldReagan's jelly beans.* Try to imagine a mafia guy with any other weapon but a [[http://www.google.co.ve/imgres?imgurl=http://photos1.hi5.com/0073/136/992/cgYDDL136992-02.jpg&imgrefurl=http://enemigodelagente.blogspot.com/2009/01/mi-subametralladora-thompson.html&usg=__2qVWRebdHrjMcRlKIOLQ1xbQ_WU=&h=650&w=521&sz=56&hl=es&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=MxqHPQGsuxgPkM:&tbnh=139&tbnw=110&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dthompson%2Bmafia%26um%3D1%26hl%3Des%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DEiK%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:es-ES:official%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D580%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=707&vpy=203&dur=2836&hovh=251&hovw=201&tx=139&ty=151&ei=tE6GTO7tE8G88gby_rVK&oei=tE6GTO7tE8G88gby_rVK&esq=1&page=1&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:9,s:0 Thompson submachine gun]]. It's not easy. * [[FourStarBadass General]] George S. Film/{{Patton}} is associated with his ivory[[note]] [[BerserkButton Not pearl!]][[/note]] -handled revolvers.* General DouglasMacArthur is similarly known for his aviator shades, visored cap, and corn cob pipe. In fact, in a form of MemeticMutation, he is actually the originator of the stereotype of military pilots wearing aviator shades; many of the officers that would go on to lead the Air Force worked for [=MacArthur=] earlier in their careers, in fact, also consider that he served as an officer in the Army from the turn of the century [[LongRunners until the Korean War]], and you begin to see just how many junior officers may have been inspired to imitate his style.* UsefulNotes/FranklinDRoosevelt: his cigarette holder, glasses and wheelchair.* Creator/GaiusJuliusCaesar wrote in his ''Commentaries'' that his soldiers would immediately recognize him by the red cloak he habitually wore. Many more modern renditions have him wear a laurel wreath at all times as well, as both Caesar and laurel wreaths are strongly associated with Rome.* JoanOfArc's home-made banner.* FrederickTheGreat's walking-stick, [[NiceHat tricorne]] and whippets.* UsefulNotes/NapoleonBonaparte's distinctive [[NiceHat bicorne]] (of a model quite different from those worn by others) and ''redingote grise'' (grey overcoat).* Horatio Nelson's eyepatch and empty sleeve. Possibly a subversion as, contrary to popular history, Nelson didn't wear an eyepatch. He was blinded in one eye, but the damage was all internal; the affected eye looked normal enough to be on display. More accurately, the green visor on his [[NiceHat cocked hat]] and the [[BlingOfWar Medal of the Nile]] on his coat, made him quite recognizable... unfortunately, even to French [[OneHitKill marksmen.]]* Field Marshal Blücher's peaked cap and pipe.* Creator/RichardWagner's distinctive beret.* Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves ''always'' wears a bow tie (though not the same one). And why not? Bow Ties are cool.* UsefulNotes/AdolfHitler's well.... [[GoodHairEvilHair you know]]. Also, the suit with swastika armband.* The StaffOfAuthority in general.* UsefulNotes/JosefStalin's pipe.* Leonid Brezhnev's [[BlingOfWar set of four Golden Stars of the Hero of the Soviet Union]].* Current (as of 2013) UsefulNotes/{{Belgi|um}}an Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo is so closely associated with his {{bowtie|sAreCool}} that the coalition agreement that formed his government is commonly called "the Butterfly Agreement" (as the words for "bow tie" and "butterfly" are the same in both French and Dutch).* Series/{{Domian}}'s legendary white moose is an icon of German television despite having [[MindScrew no obvious relation to the show]] ''at all''. Legend goes that it really has [[TheWalrusWasPaul no meaning]] and is a fan's present.[[/folder]]